Pepe Reina agrees AC Milan free transfer from Napoli with Newcastle missing out on Spaniard for the second time
Goalie was wanted by Rafa Benitez but seems happy to remain in Italy and play second-fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma
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NAPOLI star Pepe Reina has reportedly agreed a stunning free transfer to Serie A rivals AC Milan.
Tuttosport claims the veteran Spaniard will move north on a two-year deal this summer.
And Reina will be given the chance to challenge Gianluigi Donnarumma for the No 1 jersey at the San Siro.
But claims the switch comes as a huge blow to Newcastle, who were apparently in for Reina’s signature.
The 35-year-old remains close to Rafa Benitez after their time together at Liverpool and Napoli.
And it was believed the Toon boss was hoping to convince Reina to return to England for a second Premier League spell, despite the success of January arrival Martin Dubravka.
Players out of contract this summer
Premier League
Emre Can (Liverpool)
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
Marouane Fellaini (Man Utd)
Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Man Utd)
Ashley Young (Man Utd)
Yaya Toure (Man City)
La Liga
Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
Achraf Hakimi (Real Madrid)
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid)
Serie A
Stefan De Vrij (Lazio)
Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus)
Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus)
Stephan Lichsteiner (Juventus)
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Andrea Barzagli (Juventus)
Pepe Reina (Napoli)
Davide Santon (Inter Milan)
Bundesliga
Max Meyer (Schalke)
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)
Rafinha (Bayern Munich)
Ligue 1
Mario Balotelli (Nice)
Joao Moutinho (Monaco)
Hatem Ben Arfa (PSG)
But it seems the ace is content to remain in Italy for a fourth and fifth consecutive season after spending the last three years in Naples.
Reina did spend a previous term on loan at Napoli, but returned to them on a permanent deal after an underwhelming campaign at Bayern Munich.
SHELVED Newcastle ace Jonjo Shelvy doubtful to face old side Liverpool
However, he faces a tough ask to become Milan’s new first choice following the rise of young Italy international Donnarumma.
He’s already regarded as one of Europe’s best despite being just 19-years-old, but has been strongly linked with a summer switch to Paris Saint-Germain.